The possibility of becoming a certified teacher in Texas with a criminal conviction depends on several factors. Here’s an overview of the situation:
- Legal framework: The Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code govern teacher certification, including regulations about criminal history.
- Types of convictions:
- Some convictions automatically disqualify individuals from teaching
- Others are evaluated on a case-by-case basis
- Automatic disqualification: Certain offenses, particularly those involving children, sexual misconduct, or violent crimes, will likely result in automatic disqualification.
- Case-by-case evaluation: For less severe offenses, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) considers:
- Nature and seriousness of the crime
- Relationship of the crime to the purposes for requiring a certificate
- Extent to which certification might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity
- Amount of time since the criminal activity
- Age of the person when the crime was committed
- Work history and current circumstances
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Disclosure requirement: Applicants must disclose all criminal history on their application. Failure to do so can result in denial of certification.
- Background check: All applicants undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Appeal process: If denied certification due to criminal history, there is an appeals process available that can be filed with TEA.
- Seeking legal advice: It’s advisable for individuals with a criminal record to consult with an attorney specializing in education law before applying.
If you have a specific situation in mind, it would be best to contact the Texas Education Agency directly or consult with a legal professional for personalized advice. The outcome can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the conviction and individual circumstances.
